The El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port stands as one of the premier cruise destinations, Known for its turquoise waters, vibrant local culture, and diverse excursions, the port serves as a gateway to both adventure and relaxation. El Puerto de Santa Maria Port offering travelers a perfect blend of pristine Caribbean beaches, ancient Mayan culture, and modern amenities. Located on Caribbean coast in the state of Spain Andalusia, this purpose-built cruise terminal has become a must-visit stop for cruise lines exploring the Western Caribbean. Whether you’re here for a short stopover or a full day of exploration, El Puerto de Santa Maria offers experiences that cater to all kinds of travelers. Here, we are cover everything you need to know—from the El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Terminal address and schedule to the best excursions, restaurants, and nearby beaches.

El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port Overview
The El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port is a modern, purpose-built facility designed specifically to cater to cruise ship passengers. Unlike many traditional ports, El Puerto de Santa Maria was created from the ground up to provide an immersive experience without compromising on convenience or safety.
Country | Perfect Day MexicoRoyal Caribbean |
Region | Mediterranean – Black Sea |
Coordinates | 80°10’16” W 25°46’27” N |
Draft depth | 43 feet |
Harbour-type | Artificial or Natural |
Vessel arrivals | 2489 |
El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port Address
The port is situated approximately 50 miles south of Cozumel and serves as the gateway to the charming fishing village and the broader El Puerto de Santa Maria region.
Port of El Puerto, 11500
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It’s easily accessible via cruise ships from major lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC.
What are the Port of El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Terminals?
The El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port features a T-shaped pier that can accommodate up to four cruise ships simultaneously. This makes it one of the largest and most efficient cruise terminals in Caribbean region.
Terminal Name | Location | Cruise Lines |
---|---|---|
El Puerto de Santa Maria Main Terminal | Port Complex, Mahahual | Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian |
El Puerto de Santa Maria Tender Pier | Offshore docking | Smaller ships & luxury lines |
Puerto El Puerto de Santa Maria | Southern port area | MSC, Disney, Princess |
Mahahual Cruise Dock | Downtown adjacent | Occasionally used for overflow |
Which are the El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Lines?
Here’s a table of the major El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Lines that regularly include the port in their Western Caribbean itineraries:
Cruise Line | Ship Examples | El Puerto de Santa Maria Stop Duration |
---|---|---|
Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Vista, Mardi Gras | 6-10 hours |
Royal Caribbean | Symphony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas | 7-9 hours |
Norwegian (NCL) | Norwegian Escape, Getaway | 6-8 hours |
MSC Cruises | MSC Seascape, Meraviglia | 5-8 hours |
Disney Cruise Line | Disney Fantasy, Wish | 6-9 hours |
Princess Cruises | Caribbean Princess, Sky Princess | 7-10 hours |
Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Apex, Edge | 8-12 hours |
Which Destinations are Served by Cruise Port in El Puerto de Santa Maria?
The Cruise Port in El Puerto de Santa Maria serves as a gateway to a variety of stunning destinations and experiences along Mexico’s Caribbean coast. While the port itself is located in the quiet fishing village, it connects travelers to a rich tapestry of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure.
- Western Caribbean Loop
- Cozumel & El Puerto de Santa Maria
- Panama Canal Routes
- Southern Caribbean
- Yucatán Explorer
Port of El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Ship Schedule
The Port of El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Ship Schedule operates year-round, with peak season running from October through April. The port accommodates multiple cruise ships simultaneously, with schedules available for 2025, 2026, and 2027.
Peak Season (November-April) | 4-6 ships per week |
Shoulder Season (May-October) | 2-4 ships per week |
El Puerto de Santa Maria Port Arrival Times | Usually between 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM |
Departure Times at El Puerto de Santa Maria Port | Typically between 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
Major cruise lines visiting El Puerto de Santa Maria include Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line.
Top El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port Excursions
The variety of El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port Excursions caters to every type of traveler, from adventure seekers to culture enthusiasts and beach lovers.

Excursion | Description | Cost (Per Person) | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Chacchoben Mayan Ruins | Explore ancient temples near El Puerto de Santa Maria with a knowledgeable guide. | $60 – $100 | 3-4 hours |
Mahahual Beach Break | Relax at El Puerto de Santa Maria’s Malecon Mahahual with beach chairs & local drinks. | $10 – $50 | 2-6 hours |
El Puerto de Santa Maria Snorkeling | Discover vibrant marine life in El Puerto de Santa Maria’s barrier reef. | $40 – $90 | 2-3 hours |
Bacalar Lagoon Tour | Day trip from El Puerto de Santa Maria to the stunning “Lake of Seven Colors.” | $80 – $120 | 6-8 hours |
El Puerto de Santa Maria ATV Adventure | Off-road jungle & beach ride near El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port. | $70 – $110 | 2-3 hours |
El Puerto de Santa Maria Dolphin Swim | Interactive experience at El Puerto de Santa Maria’s Dolphinarium. | $90 – $150 | 1-2 hours |
How to Book El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port Excursions?
Booking excursions at the El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port is easy and flexible, whether you prefer to plan ahead or decide on the spot. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best method for your travel style:
- Through your cruise line (convenient but pricier)
- Local tour operators (cheaper, but verify legitimacy)
- Online platforms (Viator, Shore Excursioneer)
Best Beaches Near El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port
The beaches near El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port offer some of the Caribbean’s most pristine and less crowded coastal experiences.

Beach Name | Distance from El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port | Cost | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
Mahahual Beach (Malecon) | 5-min taxi ride (2 miles) | Free entry, pay for amenities | Lively El Puerto de Santa Maria beachfront Great snorkeling spots Beach clubs & bars |
Blue Kay Beach Club | 10-min taxi ride | $10-20 (waived with purchase) | Secluded El Puerto de Santa Maria beach Excellent reef snorkeling Relaxed atmosphere |
Pepe’s Beach Club | 8-min taxi ride | No entry fee | Affordable El Puerto de Santa Maria beach Free kayaks with purchase Shallow waters |
Maya Chan Beach | 15-min shuttle | $60-100 (all-inclusive) | Private El Puerto de Santa Maria beach Luxury amenities All-inclusive package |
40 Cañones Beach Club | 5-min taxi ride | $15 (food credit) | Best El Puerto de Santa Maria party beach Water sports Lively music |
Best Restaurants Near El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port
El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port Restaurants offer diverse dining options ranging from quick snacks to full-service dining experiences.

Restaurant | Location | El Puerto de Santa Maria Specialties | Distance from Port |
---|---|---|---|
El Faro | El Puerto de Santa Maria Port | Fresh ceviche Lobster tacos Coconut shrimp | 2-min walk |
Tropicante Ameri-Mex Grill | Nearby Beach | Yucatan-style pork Fish tacos Margaritas | 5-min taxi |
La Bamba Beach Club | Nearby Beach | Seafood paella Guacamole prepared tableside Mexican craft cocktails | 8-min taxi |
Pitaya Beach Club | El Puerto de Santa Maria Port Area | Sushi rolls Caribbean jerk chicken Tropical cocktails | 3-min walk |
Krazy Lobster | Nearby Beach | Whole fried fish Lobster specials Bucket beers | 7-min taxi |
El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port Parking
If you’re driving to the port, El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port parking is available nearby. However, most visitors arrive via cruise ships, so parking isn’t typically needed.

Parking Option | Location | Cost | El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port Distance |
---|---|---|---|
Official El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port Parking | Port entrance | $15-$25/day | Directly at terminal |
Private El Puerto de Santa Maria Parking Lots | Near port entrance | $12-$20/day | 2-3 min walk |
Hotel El Puerto de Santa Maria Parking | Partner hotels | Often free for guests | Varies (some offer shuttles) |
Street Parking in El Puerto de Santa Maria | Surrounding areas | Free-$8/day | 5-15 min walk |
El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port Reviews: What Do Travelers Say?
Most visitors love the port’s vibrant atmosphere, clean facilities, and variety of excursions. Some note that the shopping area can be touristy, so venturing into Mahahual offers a more authentic experience.
How to Contact a Cruise Port in El Puerto de Santa Maria?
To contact the Cruise Port in El Puerto de Santa Maria, here are the most reliable methods based on official and travel sources:
Contact Method | Details |
---|---|
Official Phone | 34 956-87-21-00 (Port Administration) |
Port Address | Port of El Puerto, 11500 |
Conclusion
El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port offers an exceptional blend of convenience, culture, and natural beauty that makes it a standout destination in the Caribbean. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient Mayan ruins, lounging on pristine beaches, or experiencing authentic culture, this well-designed port provides easy access to unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re exploring Mayan ruins, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or simply relaxing on the beach, the El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port promises an unforgettable experience. Plan ahead, book your excursions, and get ready for an amazing Caribbean adventure!
FAQs on El Puerto de Santa Maria Cruise Port
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